Reusable face mask for cannulas

People requiring supplemental oxygen (O) often use an oxygen delivery system consisting of cannula tubing with prongs inserted into nostrils. While Ocannulas are designed to be soft and lightweight, if a mask must be worn over an Ocannula to protect the patient, for instance, from airborne contamination or viruses, the mask can adversely affect the fit and comfort of the Ocannula and can often cause oxygen leakage or restrict oxygen flow. For instance, an N95 mask is designed for a close facial fit around a mouth and nose of a wearer, but the close fit of such masks—while suitable for preventing inhalation of airborne contaminants—can compress lightweight Ocannula tubing or displace its nose prongs thereby restricting or inhibiting oxygen flow.

A disposable mask is a looser fitting mask than N95 masks. However, a loose mask does not form tight seals around a mouth and nose of the wearer, and therefore, loose masks allow greater unfiltered airflow to occur since the poorer fit may offer less filtration of small airborne particulates. Moreover, regardless of whether tighter or looser fitting masks are worn by persons using Ocannulas, most masks are intended for a single use. Therefore, each time a new mask is required, the user must reinsert and readjust the Ocannula to accommodate the new mask, which is not only time-consuming but is likely to result in inconsistent fittings over time.

What is needed in the industry is a reusable face mask that can readily receive an Ocannula in which the mask and the Ocannula can be adjusted for a comfortable fit, which will not restrict oxygen flow through the cannula and provide a level of filtration efficiency, not unduly restrict the airflow resistance (breathability), reduce areas of leakage around the mask, and provide the user with a mask that is comfortable to wear.

The present disclosure is directed in general to a reusable face mask system that has embedded receptacles or channels for receiving nasal Ocannulas. The masks and the cannulas can be adjusted for individual comfort but do not restrict oxygen flow through the cannulas while providing suitable filtration. Further, once the nasal Ocannula is fitted to the reusable mask, a disposable outer layer mask can be used, or not, with the reusable mask. The reusable masks are simple to make, easy to utilize and can be intermittently removed, washed, and reused.

In an exemplary embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a swivable shield having a first side with a first swivel depending therefrom and a second side with a second swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the swivable shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support assemblage having a first assemblage end and a second assemblage end and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula; a first clip attachable to the first assemblage end and configured to receive the first swivel of the swivable shield; and a second clip attachable to the second assemblage end and configured to receive the second swivel of the swivable shield. The swivable shield in this embodiment may be made of a synthetic resin, and the internal layer may be made of woven fabric.

Also in this embodiment, the first clip and the second clip may be horizontally adjustable, and the ventilation director may be spaced apart from the internal layer and configured to deflect exhalations away from the cannula.

Still further, this embodiment may include a cannula support positioned at a first assemblage end or a second assemblage end for supporting a portion of the cannula, and a nose segment may be provided that is connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask, the nose segment configured to provide a nose cushion.

The reusable mask system may further include a nose bridge that can be connected to the cannula support assemblage or to the mask in order to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user. The nose bridge may be malleable for customizing user fitment and receivers may be located in the pocket to receive respective clips.

In another embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a shield having a swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support top disposed on the mask, the cannula support top being configured to support a portion of a cannula; and a clip attachable to the cannula support top configured to receive the swivel. The cannula support top may include an assemblage end and a shoulder support extending from the assemblage end for supporting another portion of the cannula, and the clip may be horizontally adjustable. Receivers may be positioned in the pocket to receive respective clips.

Also in this reusable mask system, a ventilation deflector may be provided that is placed apart from the internal layer and can deflect exhalations away from the cannula. Still further, a nose cradle may extend from the cannula support top and may support other parts or portions of the cannula.

A cushioning nose segment may also be provided in this embodiment to connect to the cannula support top or to the mask. And a nose bridge may be connected to the cannula support assemblage or to the mask to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user. The nose bridge may be malleable for customized user fitment.

In yet another embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a swivelable facial shield and a cannula support assemblage disposed proximate the shield, the cannula support assemblage having a first end and a second end with a first shoulder support depending from the first end and a second shoulder support depending from the second end, and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the first and second shoulder supports and the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula.

The reusable mask system may also include a mask with an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween in which the shield is insertable in the pocket. Still further, receivers may be positioned in the pocket to receive the shield.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘d’ or the like”, or ‘a’ or ‘b’,” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicated otherwise.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”

The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning now to, an embodiment of a face mask system according to the disclosure is broadly designated by element numberand shown being worn by a user. The face mask systemgenerally includes a swivable, reusable mask or shield, a cannula support top or assemblage, a cloth mask or portion, and a nose assemblage. As explained in greater detail below, the maskmay be constructed from a plastic material and is washable, and therefore, reusable. Moreover, although the reusable maskis shown inserted behind or within layers of the cloth portion, the maskcan be used without the cloth portion.

is a detailed view of various components of the mask systemshown in a disassembled state. Here, the reusable maskbriefly introduced above has an inner layer or first or face side, and an outer side or external layer. In this example, swivelsextend from the face-side layerfor receiving respective clipsthat connect the maskto cannula support topas explained by exemplary operation below.

As further shown in, the cannula support topincludes a ventilation ridge, deflector, or directorto direct exhaled air downward and away from nose and eyes of a user(see). Along a midpoint of the ventilation director, a midpoint receivermay be formed to receive a nose cannula cradle or supportfor supporting part of a cannula. Similarly, at a first or left endof the cannula support top, a first or left receivermay be provided for receiving a first or left cannula cradle or shoulder supportto cradle another portion of the cannula. Likewise, at a second or right endof the cannula support top, a second or right receivermay be provided for receiving a second or right cannula cradle or shoulder supportto cradle yet another part of the cannula, which is free of impediments. Exemplary embodiments of the nose cannula cradleand the first and second cannula supports,are discussed in further detail below.

Turning to the cloth portionbriefly introduced above, the cloth portionmay be a single-use disposable mask, or it can be made from various washable materials for reuse. In either case, the materials selected will provide a level of filtration while not unduly restricting airflow resistance (breathability), depending on the level of protection required. In this example, the cloth portionmay include a top portion, an outer layer, and an inner layerwith a pocket or sleeveformed between the outer layerand the inner layerfor receiving the mask, as will be further described below.

The top portion, the outer layer, and the inner layerof the cloth portionmay be made with appropriate material. By way of specific example, the face-side material layermay be a layer of a woven, softer wicking fabric or other washable material and chosen for comfort in addition to providing a level of filtration while not unduly restricting airflow resistance (breathability). In some alternative embodiments, certain layers can be made of non-woven fabric, such as polypropylene, which is usually 20 or 25 grams per square meter (gsm) in density for bacteria filtration and air permeability as used with surgical face masks, or polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyester, and other suitable materials.

also particularly shows the nose assemblagebriefly introduced above, which, in this example, may include a cloth nose portion, a contoured nose segment or portion, and a nose bridge or clip. The nose portionmay be formed integrally with the cloth portion, or it may be separately attachable. The contoured nose segmentmay be made of foam and inserted into pockets of the nose portionor otherwise attachable to the nose portionusing adhesives, fasteners, slits, and the like. The foam nose segmentcan be removed and washed or replaced by a user as needed. The foamshould be a sufficient length to lay on top of portions of the cannulaexiting nostrils to maximize comfort in either direction of ears of the user(see). If the useruses the left cannula cradleand the right cannula support cradleto direct the cannuladownwards as an alternative to using ears to support the cannulathen the foam nose segmentwill not lay on top of portions of the cannulabut will still provide comfort to the user.

The nose clipshown inmay be made from malleable or shapeable metal, which the usercan shape to best fit an individual nose (see). The nose clipcan be easily removed and is replaceable with a new nose clip or can removed before washing the cloth mask. The nose foamand the nose clipcan be insertable within the nose portion.

Turning now to, the face mask systemis shown partially disassembled with the reusable maskswiveled approximately thirty degrees (30°) in a direction of the cloth maskwith the nose portionattached thereto. Here, the cannulais shown partially disposed along the cannula support topas discussed above with portions of the cannulatrailing outside of the clipsof the cannula support topand the first sideof the mask. As shown, the second sideof the maskfaces the cloth portion, which may have a strap or cordattached thereto for holding the maskand the nose portionin place. A gator strap (not shown) may also be attached at or near a lower area of the maskfor further security.

With reference to both, slots or slitsmay be formed across the inner layer. The slotsopen into the pocket, which as introduced above, is formed between the outer layerand the inner layerfor receiving the mask. As will be discussed below in more detail, different slotsmay be provided to adjust a height or position of the maskrelative to the cloth portionto accommodate different user preferences. For example,shows the maskinserted into the pocketvia a topmost slotwith portions of the cannulacradled by the nose cannula cradleand the first and second cannula supports,.

By way of further example,most clearly shows left side views of the maskwith a portion of the cannulaextending from the second cannula supportsin a direction of the inner sideof the mask.particularly shows the front sideof the maskswiveled forward, which may be necessary for a user to ingest medicine or food and liquids. As shown in these figures, height adjustability of the maskis effected in part by inserting insertion armsand teethof the clipsinto receivers, which will be discussed with reference to, infra. Similarly, horizontal adjustability of the maskcan effected by adjusting the topsof the clipsrelative to respective spacersof the cannula support top, which will be discussed with reference to, infra. Finally, in this example, a separate cord or strapmay be used with the maskor cannula support top, which can be used without the cloth portion. Compare strapin. In this regard,shows a variation of the clipin which a receiving aperture and detent or pawlmay be provided for receiving the strapto allow a user to pull and tighten (or loosen) the strapvia the detent.

most clearly shows exemplary features of the cannula support topintroduced above. More particularly, the receiveris formed approximately at a midpoint of the ventilation directorto receive an armof the nose cannula cradlefor supporting a portion of the cannula(compare). Also shown is the first endwith its first receiverfor receiving an armof the first cannula supportto cradle another portion of the cannula. And the second endof the cannula support topincludes the second receiverreceiving an armof the second cannula supportto cradle a further portion of the cannula. As shown by way of example on the arm, arms,, andmay include raised areas or bumps that press fit into their respective receivers,, andto secure the cradles,, andin place. Further, the ventilation directorin conjunction with the spacersas explained below cooperate to direct exhalations away from a face of the user.

most clearly shows the armof the cradlereadied for press fitting into the receiver, which is formed along the cannula support topfor securing the cannula cradlein place. Similarly, inthe armof the cradleis shown readied for press fitting into the receiver, which is formed at the first endof the cannula support topfor securing the cradlein place. As noted above, the spacerwill be used to position the clip(see, e.g.,).

is a perspective view of the cannula support topin which portions of the cannulaare positioned in the nose cannula cradle, the first cannula support, and the second cannula support. Here, nose prongsof the cannulaare most clearly shown extending from the nose cannula cradlewith the ventilation directordirecting exhalations downward and away from the nose prongs. Also shown here are the clipswith their topspositioned against the spacersof the cannula support top. Further, the clipsmay include swivel detentsfor receiving respective swivelsof the face mask(see).

show a portion of the mask assembly, particularly the interaction and connection of one of the clipsbetween the cannula support topand an interiorof the cloth mask. More specifically, inthe cliphas been attached to the maskat one end of the cannula support topand its air deflector. The topof the clipis pressed against or has received the spacerwith the clippositioned for insertion of the arminto one of the clip holders or receiverslocated in the interiorof the cloth mask.shows the arminserted into the clip holderwhich is gripped by the teethof the clip. The clipmay be formed with a spring constant provided between the armand the teethto assist in gripping the clip holder. If a user desires that the masksit lower in the cloth mask, perhaps to make additional room for the cannula, the clipcan be inserted into a different clip holderas shown.

With reference now to, an interior side of the clipis most clearly shown (compare).shows the swivel detentsfor receiving respective swivelsof the face mask(see), as well as the armand the teethto assist in gripping the clip holderas discussed above with regard to FIG.. But more particularly, the spacerinis shown inserted into the topof the clipsuch that the cannula support topis, for instance, closest to a face of a user. By comparison, the spacerinis shown placed approximately in a middle of the topof the clipsuch that the cannula support topwill be approximately one quarter of an inch (¼ in.) farther away from the user face.

By way of example and not of limitation, various embodiments according to the disclosure may include:

EMBODIMENT 1: A reusable mask system comprising a swivable shield having a first side with a first swivel depending therefrom and a second side with a second swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the swivable shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support assemblage having a first assemblage end and a second assemblage end and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula; a first clip attachable to the first assemblage end and configured to receive the first swivel of the swivable shield; and a second clip attachable to the second assemblage end and configured to receive the second swivel of the swivable shield.

EMBODIMENT 2: The reusable mask system as in Embodiment 1, wherein the swivable shield is made of a synthetic resin.

EMBODIMENT 3: The reusable mask system as in Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the internal layer of the mask is made of woven fabric.

EMBODIMENT 4: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the ventilation director is spaced apart from the internal layer and is configured to deflect exhalations away from the cannula.

EMBODIMENT 5: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first clip and the second clip are horizontally adjustable.

EMBODIMENT 6: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a cannula support disposed at a first assemblage end or a second assemblage end for supporting a portion of the cannula.

EMBODIMENT 7: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a nose segment connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask, the nose segment configured to provide a nose cushion.

EMBODIMENT 8: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising wherein a nose bridge connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user, the nose bridge being malleable for user fitment.

EMBODIMENT 9: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising receivers disposed in the pocket to receive respective clips.

EMBODIMENT 10: A reusable mask system, comprising a shield having a swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support top disposed on the mask, the cannula support top being configured to support a portion of a cannula; and a clip attachable to the cannula support top configured to receive the swivel.